Bernice A. (Ward) Staples, 94, formerly of Rockford, Ill., died Thursday, Feb. 3, in Northbrook.

Born April 29, 1916, in Austin., the daughter of Sydney and Ella (Wiseman) Ward. Graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She Married Everett G. Staples on Aug. 30, 1940, in Austin. Bernice owned and operated Better Homes Realty in Rockford with her husband. She was an active member of First Covenant Church in Rockford, until moving to Covenant Village in Northbrook

Survivors include her children, David (Judy) Staples of Rockford, Daniel (Lynette) Staples of Freeland, Mich., Philip (Nancy Stironek) Staples of Lake Zurich, Judith Kirkpatrick of Sturgeon, Mo., and Mary (Christopher) Clark of Elgin; grandchildren, Michelle Borgialli, Rachel Staples, Barbara (Brian) Bennett, Danelle (Mark) Dickerson, Lynelle (James) Buchanan, Sandra (Michael) Herriage, Tyler Staples, John Carter (Windy) Kirkpatrick, Tarl (Beth) Kirkpatrick, Logan Kirkpatrick, Caitlyn Brendemuehl; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter and son-in-law, Mark Kirkpatrick.

A memorial service wil be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in First Evangelical Covenant Church, 316 Wood Rd., Rockford; the Rev. Dr. David Larsen will officiate. Visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, in Delehanty Funeral Home Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Ill. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. For more information, visit delehantyfh.com.